Variety is the spice...

We both put in a good morning's work before we went off to meet up with Jean and Françoise and several others for lunch. Jean had arranged a seminar which presented the work of a local film maker. We weren't able to attend but we enjoyed the meal and meeting the others.

As a change from the usual, the latest exhibitions in the village is of the documents of a Catalan Psychiatrist Henri Ey (1900-1977) who founded the World Society of Psyciatrists and became known as "Le Pape de Psychiatire". An interesting and none too long presentation was given by Dr Palem from the Henri Ey foundation and an apéritif followed. More snacks followed chez Michel (who organises the exhibitions) where we found ourselves with Kathy, Gilles, Juste, Joséphine and Danièle. apart from the exhibition, we talked politcs. Now there's a surprise!

Time Out

Christian has spent two full days and an evening already at the Mairie and we're in need of a change of scene but before we could head off for Banyoles he had a couple of things to do there this morning. Finally hit the road at 10.30am. Although chilly, the skies were blue and the scenery lush and green as we passed through the volcanic region of Garrotxa. Strolled around the market, didn't buy anything and then went for a leisurely lunch at the "Quatre Estacions/Four Seasons" which has a reputation for good food. We went for the "tasting menu" and weren't disappointed. Canapé, six courses and dessert - 30€ pp. The courses were nouvelle cuisine size so it sounds more copious than it was. Came home via Besalù just in time to meet someone who came to quote for a roller shutter for " The Nest".

Thyme Soup

Lunch out with Joséphine, Juste, Marie-Loudres and Jean chez Claude where we ate thyme soup . Delicious! Before you start pulling faces, it was more than just thyme. The stock was made with fresh chicken and vegetables and garnished with poached eggs and cheese toasts. Then there was grilled meat, cheese and dessert to follow. As all six of us had been at yesterday's meal we were able to moan about the menu for which we paid 25€ each and talk village politics. The rain was even heavier and Jean and Joséhine came dressed for the weather in style. Not ready to go home just yet we went back to Joséphine's where we were joined by Joëlle and Michel for a coffee. Once at home, we lit the fire, Christian snoozed, I got on with my knitting and caught up with "Casualty".

Head in the Clouds

Of course we went to the market first despite the menacing clouds; it was fairly quiet and it was easy to circulate. Our cheese supplier is still on holiday (boo hoo) but the charcutier is back (grin, grin). By the time we were reday to drive up to a hotel restaurant in the mountains, the cloud was down and the rain was heavy. Such a shame as the view is spectacular which is more than can be said for the food. There were 30 of us altogether from the Mairie and their supporters; Luckily there were new people to meet and entertainment provided by some of the guests. Jean sang in Catalan, Jany read a hilarious letter from a mother to her son and Joséphine and Kathy gave a flamenco demonstration. Even Christian strutted his stuff!

What's New?

Apart from the new Mairie being open and functioning, nothing out of the ordinary has been happening here. The two regular meetings of the Association, Christian always in his second home, tea at Joséphine's, life goes on. In the States though, a couple have paid 100,00$ to have a clone of their dead pouch and a woman in California has had 8 babies. In France Sarkozy is removing people from public office on what seems to the outside untutoured mind, a whim. Strikes yesterday all over the country - 2.5m people on the streets according to the organisers, 1m according to the police. Perhaps the strikers counted the riot police in their tally! A wee word to Edofglasgow, "take it easy, enjoy the rest, even if it is enforced!"

Take the Bull by the Horns!

It's the Chinese New Year and we're entering the year of the ox which just happens to be my year and incidently that of Barak Obama as well! The year is starting routinely for me with an Association meeting at 11am and more excitingly for Christian with the long awaited move to the new Mairie. We're invited out to lunch to Alain and Monique's so no need to trawl through a yet again empty fridge. At this rate I can foresee several cancelled holiday bookings but rest assured, those of you who are coming or thinking of coming, I won't let you starve! In the meantime 新年好 (xīn nián hǎo) ou 新年快乐 (xīn nián kuàilè).

Tea for Ten!

The electricity was still off and Christian went off to do his civic duty helping to check on the elderly folk then he went off on a bread run to Perpignan where there was a bakery fuelled by wood so several families didn't have to forego their daily bread!

In the afternoon we were invited for afternoon tea up to Rowena's who has her mother staying. Despite no electricity, she put on great spread and we all tucked in with abandon! Came home to find the elctricity back on so we were able to watch Mel Gibson in "The Patriot" - Braveheart with a different flag and a happy ending.

Red Alert!

Gales hit the West coast of France and they headed our way! We took at a trip to the market which was quiet and then scuttled home to batten down the hatches. 2.30pm the electricity went off, so as darkness fell the candles came out so that Christian and Jacques could see to pour the apéritifs. Jacques has just returned from South America were he was covering the "Dakar" rally. Still jet-lagged, an early night suited him fine. We did the same; Christian to sleep, me to read a gruesome John Connolly thriller called "The Black Angel".

Fame at Last!

What with one thing and another, it's been over six month's since we've had a jaunt out with Anne and Henry but as usual it was easy to pick up where we left off. Anne and I had a quick wander around Figueres while the fellas sat in the café in the park. Believe it or not the sun was too strong through the windows for them to wait for us inside. Not that we long, we were hungry. I did find a pair of "skinny" black trousers in the sales for 16€ which isn't much to lose if the weight goes back on. We ended up going to the same restaurant as last week and the meal was every bit as good. Anne who reads the blog and has seen lots of our other friends can now see herself smiling out at the world!

Présentation des Voeux

Spent the afternoon watching Obama's inauguration. I was tempted to cheer sdo many timeswhen he didn't mince his words. To see so many happy, hopeful faces was quite something. Here, too our own politicians were centre stage. Cards are sent in France at New Year rather than at Christmas and it's traditional for organisations and institutions to formally present their best wishes publically during the month of January. At the same time a round up of the year's activities is given along with a indication of what to expect in the forthcoming year. Tonight it was the turn of Monseiur le Maire. There was music, speeches and of course an apéritif. The hall was packed and it all went well. Gilles and Kathy came back with us for supper so we climbed the little wooden hills later than usual.